What’s my purpose? How about yours?
As I look back on my career, it seems I’ve worked most of my life–farm girl, public school teacher, and college professor. After I retired, I felt a little lost and I’ve often asked–What’s my purpose now? And I invite you to take a moment to consider, What’s yours?
Let’s not forget our other important purposes
I certainly don’t want to omit another important role in my life–a parent. One thing I noticed early on–being a parent gave me a better understanding of other vital roles we have in life. If you’re like me, you’ve probably had a variety of purposes in your life–and many mentors along your journey.
Who have been your most important role models and teachers?
And perhaps some harder questions . . .
- For whom are you being a role model now?
- Who are you mentoring on this journey of life?
- What is your purpose in life at this moment?
Touching the future*
For years I mentored young students, encouraging them to be healthy and active–to make wise decisions about their lifestyle and future. I tried to be a role model for respect, kindness, and compassion for others.
As I transitioned into college teaching, I mentored students as they prepared to become teachers–teachers touch the future, preparing our children to be healthy, happy, knowledgeable, and productive members of our society.
Those contributions are important, and volunteer opportunities in my church allow me to continue some of those same mentoring roles.
A new purpose
But I still miss my students and my teaching roles. I wonder if I’m fulfilling my purpose in serving others as I seek God’s purpose for my life.
Recently I took my young grandson for a walk. He loves being outside (and so do I). We stepped outside, after donning coats and hats, and he slipped his little hand into mine as we began our walk. The picture at the beginning of this message is of our shadows as we strolled.
My heart warmed and my eyes teared. My little man trusts me to guide him and keep him safe on the journey. I don’t know what my Father has in store for me in this last quarter of life after retirement.
But I know this. The blessing of being a grandmother has granted me a new purpose and it still involves mentoring, guiding, and nurturing young people on their journey.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 11:18-21)
What’s your purpose? Has it changed as the seasons of your life change?
Aren’t we grateful for our most wonderful guide, mentor, and role model? Our Lord and Savior, Jesus, came to show us how to live and serve others.
Jesus is our future.
*When I was teaching elementary school in the 1980s, the space shuttle, Challenger, exploded in flight, killing all on board. One of these astronauts was Christa McAuliffe, a teacher, who reminded us that teachers, “touch the future.”
You also touch the future with your writing, Katherine. Keep up the good work!
What a wonderful thought, Diana. Yes, we do touch the future–our words make a difference. Thank you for the messages of compassion and hope you share.
What a great reflection for beginning a new year. My roles have definitely shifted and changed through the years but we have to remember: God has more for us to do as we age faithfully.
I love the way you expressed your thoughts, Candyce. “Remember that God has more for us to do as we age faithfully.” Now when I whine about being so busy, I will remember God’s call to serve Him no matter our age. I smile at the thought of aging faithfully. Thank you.
Excellent post, Katherine. I feel like my purpose has changed in different seasons of life. A child, a teen, a new wife, a new mom, an empty-nester.
I agree with you, Priscilla. My purpose has changed and grown much like yours. For me, I’d add career changes and retirement in there. It’s been a drastic change for me. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Thanks Katherine. I’ve certainly had many of the same thoughts and considerations in the last years. I love the line, Jesus is our future.
Aren’t we blessed to have Jesus with us on the journey? He’s our past, present, and future. And we can only grow and change in service to Him if we stay close to Him. We each make a difference in the lives of others. I’m thankful for your wisdom and insight, my friend. Peace and blessings!
I have often thought of you as a bridge my friend. One that helps us take what we can gain from the past and take it into the future. I see that with your health books, with your lessons from the land, and most especially with your grandchildren. I think too of how much you have to offer others; some children who are without a grandparent to learn from, or a mama to talk with. Your wisdom gained comes from the life lessons learned, some the hard way, my friend. I can’t see clearly into the future, but God has already. And I’m certain He knows all the impacts you have made for Him and His kingdom as you’ll help countless people see Him, through your life. God’s blessings ma’am.
I never thought of myself as a bridge, my friend, but I love the way you describe that analogy. I pray I can fulfill that mission in the time I have left here. God has been patient with me, taking this marred and sinful wad of clay and shaping me into a better vessel in order to serve Him and His people. I’m thankful He never gave up on me and He is still molding on this journey. Thank you, J.D., for your mentorship and encouragement. You are a blessing to me and so many others with whom you share kindness, wisdom, and a helping hand. May God bless you, kind sir.
Such an important issue to ponder. We all have many purposes that take up time and are important too. I do feel a big purpose to share my faith with my kids and grands. Thanks Katherine for the information reminder.
Before I became a grandmother, I thought grandparents exaggerated the joy and fulfillment they experienced as a grandparent. Now I know better. It’s been a blessing far beyond anything I could have expected. May God continue to bless you, Yvonne, and your family and ministry.
What a wonderful message, Katherine. Life is a series of seasons. Sometimes we have to search for our purpose in a new one. Great post! God bless!
Thank you for your kind words, Nancy. I’ve learned that God had many seasons planned for me–all unique and different, but very rewarding. His guidance on my journey has been steadfast and faithful. Aren’t we blessed by His immeasurable love? Thank you for all you do to share the Good News of Jesus with others.
In Christ, we always have a purpose, no matter our occupation. And we also have a Person to take our hand and guide us. Thanks for this encouraging message, Katherine.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Annie. Aren’t we blessed beyond measure to have that “Person,” Jesus our Lord and Savior, to take our hand and guide us? So thankful! Blessings, my friend.